To try to learn piano as an adult?

[Whatsnewwithyou]

I'm in my mid-forties and have all of a sudden decided out of the blue that I want to learn to play the piano. I've had 2 lessons so far, have been practicing every day, and can now play simple songs like jingle bells, the skye boat song, etc.

So AIBU to think I'll ever get to a level where I can actually play? Have you learned to play as an adult?

I dont play any other instruments. I don't need to become a concert pianist or anything but it would be nice to for example play a jazz tune or two at a village charity concert or accompany singing in a kids' church play, that kind of thing. Do I stand a chance and if so, how long until I get there. 2 years? 5?

Following this as I would also like to learn and I'm nearly fifty. The cost of lessons is the issue for me.

I’ve started piano mid forties too. I’m grade one level but don’t expect to be a concert pianist anytime soon.

There was a mumsnetter who started late and became quite good fairly quickly...can’t remember her user nm though.

I started piano lessons. The teacher estimated 5 years to become competent. But I had to quit because I couldn’t continue to afford lessons. That was several years ago and I often think I’d be able to play by now

Of course you can! I learned as a child but my teacher taught adults.

It’s a lovely hobby.

I’ve not played properly for 20 years but just gut a piano to get back into it.

Well I'm 47 and I started lessons this year. Im thoroughly enjoying it and it gives me time for myself

Go for it! The great thing about the piano is you can sound quite good quite quick. It's not like the violin say, where if your fingers aren't positioned just right it sounds squeaky. So it's really encouraging as your learning. The hardest bit is learning to read music imo but there are little rhymes you can learn that help with it. I find playing the piano really therapeutic!

I started learning 5 years ago. I had lessons for 3 years, 30mins a week during term timed got to grade 3. The last 2 years I've not had lessons but still enjoy playing regularly and can keep up with DS who's taking his grade 5.

Thanks, all. Aria2015 and Lordofmyflies, that's quite encouraging. Toomuchgoingon, I'm enjoying the process, too. It's nice to have something fun to do that's just for me.

I taught myself when I was 12, from a book. I reckon I was reasonably competent after 18 months. I played in a school music competition at 14 (nowhere near winning but didn't embarrass myself).

My fingers don't go in the right place but I can read music well enough and can play some Chopin and jazz.

I have had two adults start learning with me this summer, one late thirties and one 60... both are now starting their grade one work and doing really well :) go for it!

I started learning earlier this year and am really enjoying it. I wouldn't say I'm particularly good but it's fun.

Go for it, Whatsnewwithyou! I started lessons in my mid 40s. I'd hankered to learn as a child but my parents dismissed it as a fad.

My DH booked me a months lessons as a wedding anniversary present and I've carried on since.

Within 2 years I got to Grade 1 but I haven't bothered with grades since as I want to be able to play for pleasure rather than be under pressure.

I had my lesson this morning and as you say it's nice to have something fun that's just for me.

Definitely go for it! It's by far the easiest instrument to learn in my opinion and really relaxing.

go for it. Apart from anything else, it's really good for your brain. William Hague and ? Rusbridger did exactly the same thing as well.
I'm in my 60s and picked up the cello at your age, then the ukulele, now percussion. All great fun.
My only reservation is that it's more difficult to find someone to play with if you play the piano. I lost interest in the cello when we moved house and I couldn't find anyone to play with (at my mediocre standard). It makes a big difference (to me anyway) if I can play with people. I lose interest if I don't.
A friend of mine learnt to play the organ at your age, from scratch, and is in constant demand to play for weddings, funerals etc.
Have fun!

Go for it! I started piano aged 45, no previous musical experience, and had to learn to read music as well. Loved it so much, that I spent my mulberry handbag fund on a piano! 2 years later, I have passed grade 1 and am now working on grade 2.

My dad had played as a kid, and when he got made redundant in his early 60s ( wanted & payoff) , his present to himself was a piano and lessons. Now has his grade 7 and working on grade 8 at 72 - still doesn’t practise enough apparently and not particularly fussed about the exams.

I'm also 47 and am fourteen lessons in so far. I started in August and my teacher said quite recently that I would make grade 1 within a year. Her oldest students are in their sixties. I urge you to go for it. I have reached the point where I'm not nervous about lessons any more and can really get into my practice. My teacher is great and I am lucky to have found her. She teaches singing as well as piano and is altogether very musically mature; she participates in choir and rock orchestra stuff as well as teaching. It also helps that we are much the same age.

BTW, it is important that you have your own piano, or at least one you have easy access to, so you can practise.

I’m interested too, how much do you need to practice each day? It’s only not having enough time that’s stopping me. I can already read music and play one handed.

I can't practise every day because I work stupid long hours. It's more quality over quantity, anyway. I play in bursts of ten to fifteen minutes. If I'm on a roll I continue but if I start to screw up, I stop and go and do something else for a few minutes then resume. I think it's important to know when to take a break.

Thanks @indigospritz!

I would love to learn to play the organ - that's my eventual goal although I k ow it's many years away! Great to hear it's been possible for someone my age.